Beth Mooney produced a spectacular ton from her bat for Australia against Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup 2025. In the ninth match of the tournament getting played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, when the Aussie side lost six batters at a score of 76 after playing 21.2 overs, she held her nerves and built a crucial 39-run stand with Kim Garth. After Garth’s contribution of 11 off 47, she stood in the middle and stitched a brilliant stand of 106 runs with Alana King for the ninth wicket off 96 balls. The partnership came at a time when Pakistan were riding high on confidence after destroying Australia’s top-order and middle-order.
In the 48th over, Mooney stole a single against Fatima Sana and brought her century after facing 110 balls. It marked the left-handed Australia batter’s fifth WODI ton. Mooney’s aggressive batting also emboldened the confidence of Alana King, who racked up her maiden WODI half-century after facing 48 deliveries. Mooney concluded her knock after hammering 109 runs off 114 balls.
Pakistan tasked to follow the target of 222 to win their maiden game
Pakistan are now required to chase down the target of 222 to win their maiden match in the tournament. There was a time when Pakistan were in a commanding position in the match. Australia’s mainstay batters Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, and Tahlia Gardner went back to the dugout on single-digit scores.
Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu played a vital role in Australia’s collapse as she got the better of Perry, Sutherland, and Tahlia. The 27-year-old spinner also emerged as the most effective bowler for Australia as she bagged a three-wicket haul after bowling 10 overs. Rameen Shamim and Fatima Sana also got two wickets apiece after completing their 10 overs each. Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal also claimed one wicket respectively.
